1919 Cafe - Huntington Library and Gardens — Restaurant in San Marino

From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the inviting ambiance and the wide array of culinary offerings.

What truly sets 1919 Cafe apart is its diverse selection of food stations, catering to every palate imaginable. Whether you're craving a guilt-free meal or indulging in comfort classics like pizza and burgers, this cafe has it all. The inclusion of healthy food options alongside more indulgent treats creates a perfect balance for any diner.

Speaking of balance, the beverage options were equally impressive. With a variety of choices available, the standout for me was the lemonade. Its exceptional taste was a refreshing and delightful complement to my meal.

As for the food, I opted for the Mexican salad with avocado, and it exceeded all expectations. The flavors were vibrant and perfectly combined, creating a satisfying and memorable dish. Every bite was a testament to the cafe's commitment to quality ingredients and skilled culinary craftsmanship.

The attention to detail in both the food and the cafe's atmosphere made for a truly enjoyable visit. The friendly staff and the serene surroundings of the Huntington Library enhanced the overall experience.

In conclusion, 1919 Cafe is a hidden gem that deserves recognition. Its diverse food stations, exceptional lemonade, and delicious offerings like the Mexican avocado salad make it a culinary haven worth revisiting. If you're seeking a place that caters to various tastes, I wholeheartedly recommend giving 1919 Cafe a try. Your taste buds...

1919 Cafe is a really nice place to have lunch when spending a day at Huntington. Emphasis on spending. Don't get me wrong, everything is scratch made with high quality ingredients in generous portions, so it's less painful than stadium or theme park prices.

It's setup food hall style (that's fancy talk for cafeteria). There are four stations serving made to order entrees. The first is sandwich and salad. The second is Mexican. The third is pizza, and the fourth is burgers. Fair warning, the stations close at 4pm even though the cafe is open until 5pm. Speaking of the fancy vibe, there is also a full bar. Finally, there is a grab and go section with cold sandwiches, snacks and drinks.

My wife and I were recently gifted an annual membership to Huntington and have begun to visit as often as we can. Based on our first couple of experiences at 1919 Cafe I can confidently say that we will be treating ourselves to lunch there more often.

I recommend the tostada bowl. We had the carnitas which is the most popular option. Beautiful presentation and really delicious.

Fun Facts: -You don't have to buy a ticket to Huntington to go to 1919 Cafe. Access to the first courtyard all the way to the Cafe is open to the public.

-The Cafe is named for the year The Huntington was founded.

-They serve vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and kid friendly options.

So, if you find yourself at The Huntington and want a kinda fancy casual lunch with a beautiful view I recommend that you give this...

This review is specifically related the bar at 1919 Cafe.

I had a really disappointing experience today when I ordered an Aperol spritz (ingredients: Prosecco, sparkling water, Aeperol, orange wedge). After pouring in the Prosecco, the bartender reached for the orange juice--not an ingredient in an A. spritz--- but luckily I intercepted just in time). Then he began pouring in lemon juice (huh??? Again, wrong ingredient), and as I was asking him to stop, the woman working the cash registered yelled at me across multiple people's heads to tell me I was stopping the bartender from "doing his job."

I was so caught off guard to be yelled at, particularly by someone that actually had no clue what was going on, that I just let him pour in the lemon juice followed by Aperol. Needless to say, it was very sour drink that I ended up not finishing. Waste of money, waste of time, and totally through off the rest of my day at the gardens.

I understand there are so many cocktails in this world that it's really hard to know them all. I would have appreciated the bartender asking me what was in my drink of choice vs. making stuff up. On top of that, when is it ever ok to yell at a customer?

Shame on...